Summary : Embark on an adventure between Sitka, Alaska and Seattle, Washington exploring three of the most appealing wild regions in the Pacific Northwest: Alaska’s Inside Passage, coastal British Columbia, and Haida Gwaii. Sail into mist-shrouded fjords and past crashing glaciers, see brown bears stalking shores, and eagles flying. And in Haida Gwaii you’ll meet artisans and experience the resonance of their cultural heritage and artwork. With special access to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, you’ll see ancient village sites, and the endemic species that make Haida Gwaii the “Canadian Galápagos.”

At the community of Alert Bay, visit the U’Mista Cultural Center, where you’ll watch traditional First Nations performances and learn from the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Visit Johnstone Strait, one of the foremost viewing areas for orcas in the Northern Hemisphere.

With a shared respect for the natural world, explore the islands of Haida Gwaii. A Haida Interpreters will join your visit to the Haida Heritage Center at K’aay Linagaay to learn about the incredible history of the Haida people and the meaning behind their renowned artwork. In the ancestral town of Old Massett, join in a traditional dance performance and feast, and meet community members and Haida artists. Over the next two days, explore the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. See the ancient totems at SGang Gwaay (Ninstints) or K'una (Skedans). Kayak and take Zodiacs around the incredibly biodiverse islands where black bears are the largest in the world and endemic species thrive.

Join naturalists on deck and search for orcas, humpback whales, and Steller sea lions. Go ashore for a walk along a quiet forest trail and in the fishing village of Petersburg, known as “Alaska’s Little Norway”. Explore with optional flightseeing or a bicycle ride. Enjoy a crab feast this evening.

Voyage into Tracy or Endicott Arm, both spectacular fjords, with waterfalls cascading from glacially carved walls. See the soaring Dawes or South Sawyer Glacier up close and take a Zodiac cruise for an unbeatable view of sculpted icebergs.

Spend the entire day among the enormous glaciers and expansive wilderness. Listen as the quiet stillness of the area is broken by the thunder of tons of ice calving into the sea. Search for Stellar sea lions, puffins and mountain goats. A native Tlingit interpreter joins us to share the lore and legend of the area. A National Park Service Ranger will join the group as well.

Cruise among the Inian Islands, where an abundance of Steller sea lions reside. Hike nearby islands, kayak, and search for whales in rich waters of Icy Strait. Conditions permitting, the ship's hydrophone will be lowered to listen in on the whales' communication.

Visit Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its picturesque spire and meet eagles up close at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center before transferring to the airport for flights to Seattle.

Notes

This itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Reverse Itinerary (Sitka to Seattle): 8/27/2018, 9/2/2019

National Geographic Global Explorers: All DeparturesDeveloped in conjunction with National Geographic Education, this unique program will offer kids and teens the opportunity to choose cool activities—from earning a Zodiac “driver’s license” to recording wildlife sightings in their Field Notebook—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of an explorer. They’ll take part in all kinds of cool activities—like learning about glaciers by making ice cream sundaes, or using glacial ice to paint water colors. They will be encouraged to use their creativity—with photos, videos, music, writing, drawing and more, to tell stories about all they’ll see and do.

Special Guest Photographer: Michael Nolan (8/27/2018 only)

Lindblad-National Geographic Certified Photo Instructor:On all departures, a certified photo instructor will be at your side and at your service to inspire and assist you. Take advantage of talks, presentations, slideshows and “laptop gallery” sharing events. All skill and interest levels are welcome; the instructors can meet you wherever you are on your journey. All you need to participate is a camera— point-and-shoot, smartphone, DSLR, whatever—and a sense of adventure. And you’re sure to return home with amazing photos.

Members of ExpeditionTrips.com receive free one-way airfare from Sitka to Seattle in economy class. Offer based on availability, is subject to change at any time, and may not be combinable with other discounts. Luggage is additional with airfare offers. In order to accommodate air offers, final payment MUST be paid in full by the due date that will be listed on your invoice when booked. Contact ExpeditionTrips for further details.Applicable Dates: 5/5/2018Expiration Date: 3/30/2018

New Reservations Only

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Members of ExpeditionTrips.com receive free one-way airfare from Sitka to Seattle in economy class. Offer based on availability, is subject to change at any time, and may not be combinable with other discounts. Luggage is additional with airfare offers. In order to accommodate air offers, final payment MUST be paid in full by the due date that will be listed on your invoice when booked. Contact ExpeditionTrips for further details.Applicable Dates:5/11/2019Expiration Date:7/31/2018

National Geographic Sea Bird

Overview : National Geographic Sea Bird, like her twin ship National Geographic Sea Lion, is a tried and true expedition ship that plies the waters from Alaska, to the Columbia and Snake Rivers, To Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. With a shallow draft and small size, she can easily reach places inaccessible to larger ships. She can venture into fast-moving channels where whales come to feed, transit a series of locks in the Pacific Northwest, nose up to waterfalls in secluded coves, and sail into protected anchorages in small bays perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Tools for exploration guarantee an in-depth experience in all the places you explore, and the open bow is a natural gathering place that accommodates the entire community at once for shared wildlife viewing experiences. The expedition style is active, casual, and engaged. There is no need for formal clothing, and the services offered aboard ensure travel is effortless. After a day of exploring, you’re invited to relax in Sea Bird’s open spaces on deck or recharge with a wellness treatment.

Cabin Description : National Geographic Sea Bird accommodates 62 guests in 31 cabins. All accommodations are outside facing with a window or porthole, and the cabins on the upper and bridge decks open to the outside deck. Double-occupancy cabins include two single beds, and category three cabins feature two lower single beds that can be converted to a double bed, plus a pullout single bed for a third person. Every cabin has Wi-Fi access, climate controls, private bathroom, hair dryer, and space to store luggage under the bed.

All details have been provided by the shipping company.

Karla C.

Columbia, SC Jun 2016

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion / Sea Bird

Exceptional! Love the size of the boat. Great side trips on zodiacs and kayaks. Food was wonderful! Massage therapist was great and appreciated. Third Mate, Chris Standish was very accomplished as a guide and personal attention.

Stuart M.

Sanibel, FL May 2016

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion / Sea Bird

Amazing amount of whale sightings and other wildlife. 5-star level of service. More than met our expectations. All our pre-board questions were answered quickly and patiently.

Debra P.

Jul 2015

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion / Sea Bird

I loved Glacier Bay. All the naturalists aboard the Sea Lion were very knowledgeable and professional.

Sally H.

Fairport, NY Aug 2014

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion / Sea Bird

The Expedition Leaders are knowledgeable, patient and kind. They knew all the good spots to look for wildlife.

Judith S.

St. Charles, IL Jun 2012

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion / Sea Bird

My experience with ExpeditionTrips was excellent! I took this trip two years ago with another of my grandsons. I had a wonderful trip at that time. When the opportunity to take another trip with a grandson, I told him about visiting Alaska. He read the information about the trip and made the decision that it would be the trip for him. He told me yesterday that the whales were the best part of the trip.

The staff were wonderful with my grandson. They provided special meals for him and special events. They helped me with activities as well as his camera. The naturalist on the trip included him in discussions on the hikes by asking him questions he was able to answer.

Joseph H.

Danville, CA Jun 2012

Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Sea Lion / Sea Bird

The level of service was excellent. Naturalists were great and so was the crew.

Final Payment*: The shipping company reserves the right to cancel your reservation if payment has not been received by final payment due date. For expeditions aboard all ships with the exception of Explorer and Orion, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. For expeditions aboard Explorer and Orion, payment is due 120 days prior to departure.

*A variation of this policy applies to groups of eight people or more. Ask for details.

Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted for both deposit and final payments (VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover).

Payment Policy is subject to change without notice.

Cancellation Policy

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation and travel insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.